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ASUS is a well-known reputed brand in the global market and always comes with something new and unique. A few months back they launched Asus Zenfone Max pro M1 then another blockbuster Asus Zenfone 5z and finally another flagship ++ device which was Asus ROG phone. Now they are back with another device in the market which is Asus Zenfone Max M2 Pro and Zenfone Max M2.
The device comes with a top-notch specification that too in a budget segment. The device comes with Corning Gorilla Glass 6 with Stock android that too in the price segment of Rs. 8,499 for 3/32GB Variant.
| Name | Asus ZenFone Max M2 |
| Dimensions | 158.4 x 76.3 x 7.7 mm |
| Weight | 160 g |
| Display | 6.26-inch IPS LCD (720 x 1520 pixels) |
| Processor | Qualcomm SDM632 |
| GPU | Adreno 506 |
| RAM | 3/4 GB |
| Storage | 32/64 GB |
| Primary Camera |
Dual camera setup – 13 MP + 2 MP |
| Secondary Camera |
8 MP |
| Battery | 4000 mAh battery |
| Operating System |
Android 8.1 (Oreo) |
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity sensor, compass |
| Connectivity | GSM/HSPA/LTE, Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n |
Box Content
- Asus Zenfone Max M2
- Manual
- USB Cable
- Charging Brick
- Cover
- SIM Ejector Pin
Design & Built
Coming to the built part of the phone; here we get great built all over, with two camera and other sensors in the phone. The back panel is non-removable and has a metal built all over. The device feels quite good by holding but nothing new with the design in this version. The device consists of 6.26″ HD+ Display that feels so handy while using it in a single hand because of very less bezel and a notch display. It fits perfectly in your hand.
Starting with the design part; at the front top we get an 8-megapixel camera beside it whole has a whole lot of sensors and a LED notification light which is a multi-color notification LED and even a front flash on that small notch. Beside it, we also get earpiece and nothing much.
Coming to the lower side we get a 6.26-inch HD+ Display which is covered with 2.5D curved glass on top of it. We don’t get Gorilla Glass 6 on top of it just like we get in Asus Zenfone Max Pro M2. The curve glass gently melds in along with the curved sides, thus making it a joy to hold in the hands without any fatigue.
Coming little bit down we get on screen back keys which we can edit as per our usage by going into the setting panel.
Turning the phone to the downside here we get a Primary Mic, Micro USB port which also supports OTG and a speaker which is incredibly loud.
Coming to the right side of the phone here we get Volume rockers and power lock key. Both the buttons are made up of lossy high-quality plastic.
Turning to the other side here we get a Tripple SIM tray slot which supports Dual Nano Sim at the same time we can even insert a Micro SD card in it.
Further moving to the top side of the phone here we get a single vent for secondary noise cancellation MIC, and a 3.5mm audio jack; nothing else which we need to mention over here.
Finally coming to the back side of the phone here we get a 13+2-megapixel camera with the support of single tone LED flash. Below that we get a Fingerprint sensor which works quite well not like the previous versions of Asus. Below that we get ASUS branding and nothing much.
Display
Display of Asus Zenfone Max M2 comes with a 6.26-inch HD+ Display with a resolution of 720 X 1520. The display gives you the ratio of 19:9, which means we get proper infinity display with a proper notch to watch movies or videos. With this price and features, I think this is going to be a great device to buy. The colors on the display are sharp and playing games look great. While watching a movie on the phone give immense experience. The Sunlight legibility is also good because of its really great brightness. When we compare the brightness with some other phones like Xiaomi Redmi Note 5 or Xiaomi Redmi Note 5 Pro this one works really well in sunlight legibility.
Viewing Angle is good, and blacks are decent enough. While watching movies from an odd angle won’t affect you in any way. Still, I would say if they could offer FHD+ display, it would be way better for the future.
Performance
The phone comes with the latest Snapdragon processor which is Snapdragon 632 processor which features a 3/4 GB Ram. This combo makes it a quite impressive device in this price. This combo makes the device a good performer. Out of 64 GB of internal storage, you get about 57 GB free after that you can also expand it to up to 256GB as the phone support dedicated tray for Micro SD Card.
We get Antutu Score of 103407 and these scores on a budget device are quite above average. With this screen size and great dual camera at back, they have also given all the sensors which are required by any normal person. No sensor is being removed by the brand. We can use this smartphone with a VR headset and even while using GPS it will give you proper accuracy as it also has a magnetic and orientation sensor in it.
Coming to the gaming part, we can play almost all games. In my use, I have not seen any lag or frame drops in Asphalt 9 at normal settings. Every game even in the high-end setting is working well. I tried playing PUBG the latest games with high-end specs and take my words it is working well with no lag and issue. I have tried playing most of the games like Asphalt 9, Shadow Fight 3, Batman, Bully and Adreno 506 GPU with the support of Snapdragon 636 processor work well. I have also not seen any heating issue while long gaming in DELHI, INDIA Temperature.
Camera
Moving on to the cameras on the ZenFone Max M2, the phone comes with a 13MP+2MP dual camera setup with a single LED flash. By the way is there anyone who uses flash for photos, it is mostly being used as a torch. The photos capture using Asus Zenfone Max M2 is above average when we compare the same with any other smartphone with that budget. The photos came out clear while captured in daylight. They have really improved from a lot from their previous model.
Portrait mode on Asus Zenfone Max M2 comes up decent. You get proper focus and proper bokeh effect. In daylight, you will love the camera, depending on how are use using the application. Hope we can get google stock camera application in this phone to get the best output.
Now coming to the best part of the camera, it can record 4K videos. Now, this is insane this price and so many features which we are getting in it. The video captures on 4K directly handheld arent that stable, which means we need a tripod or a 3-Asis gimble to get some professional shots out of it. The camera does have EIS which works at 1080p. Still, I would say in daily use it will work well for you.
Camera Samples
Battery
The battery on the smartphone is packed with a massive large 4000mAh allowing you to sail through an entire day even I would say more than 1.5 days very easily. You can use the device very aggressive usage still it is not going to affect your battery life. It will take me approx 2 Hours 40 minutes approximately to charge from 0 to 100% using its default charger. Battery usage of the device is good.
You will not find even a single complaint regarding the battery part of this phone.
Connectivity
Asus ZenFone Max M2 is the first phone in the budget which supports Dual Volte 4G support at the same time. The device comes with triple sim tray slot which supports dual 4G sim at the same time with the support of Micro SD card too. Overall in terms of connectivity, we get a 3.5mm audio jack a Micro USB port which also supports OTG, Wifi, and Bluetooth. So, nothing to worry about.
Verdict
Overall, if you want a device with proper stock android that too with great pricing than this is will be our choice.
Pros
- Dedicated Micro SD Card Slot
- Dual SIM is also supported that too Dual VOLTE 4G support
- Very Light Weight compare with any other 4000mAh battery device
- Dual Back Camera with great bokeh (Really improved)
- Battery Optimization is well
- Stock android with proper updates promised by the brand.
- Good performance
- Best part no Bloatware
Cons
- No USB Type-C
- New Design can be added
- The camera can be improved
- The display can be upgraded to FHD+
